Commission requests UK to take fully on board new rules for European Works Councils

The European Commission has requested the United Kingdom to complete the full transposition of new EU law on European Works Councils (the recast of EU Directive on European Works Councils) into its national law.

The request takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion' under EU infringement procedures. If the United Kingdom does not bring its legislation into line with EU law in its whole territory within two months, the Commission may decide to refer the Member state to the EU's Court of Justice.

Member States had to bring the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the new European Works Councils Directive into force by 5 June 2011 and notify the Commission accordingly. In the case of the United Kingdom, the national implementing measures adopted in 2010 do not cover Gibraltar. The UK authorities had indicated this would be completed in November 2011 but no information has yet been received by the Commission on the completion of this process. The request takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion' under EU infringement procedures.